Understanding the True Cost of Selling Your DVC Membership

Selling your Disney Vacation Club membership involves specific fees that every seller should understand before listing their contract. Unlike traditional real estate transactions, DVC resales have a straightforward fee structure with only two primary costs for sellers: Disney's estoppel fee and the real estate broker commission.

Disney's Estoppel Fee

Every DVC resale transaction requires an estoppel certificate from Disney Vacation Club. This document verifies the current status of your membership, including any outstanding dues, point balances, and contract details. Disney charges a flat fee of $150 for this certificate, which is paid by the seller. This fee is non-negotiable and applies to all resale transactions regardless of contract size or sale price.

Real Estate Broker Commission

The second seller cost is the real estate commission. Commission rates vary among DVC resale brokers, typically ranging from 8 to 12 percent at many brokerages. At DVC Sales, our commission rate is 6.9%, which is among the most competitive in the industry. This means more money stays in your pocket when your sale closes. There are no upfront fees to list your contract—commission is only paid upon a successful sale.

What Buyers Pay

It's important to understand that buyers cover several costs in a DVC resale transaction. Buyers are responsible for all closing costs, which typically range from $500 to $1,000 depending on the contract value and transaction specifics. These closing costs include title insurance, deed preparation fees, recording fees, and closing agent fees. Buyers also reimburse sellers for annual dues based on the number of points still available and bankable.

Annual Dues Reimbursement

When a DVC contract sells, annual dues are prorated to the closing date. If you've prepaid your dues for the year, you'll receive credit for the unused portion. Conversely, if dues are owed, the amount is typically deducted from your sale proceeds at closing. This ensures fair expense allocation based on actual ownership periods.

The ROFR Process

During every DVC resale transaction, Disney has the Right of First Refusal (ROFR). This means Disney can choose to purchase your contract at the agreed sale price before it transfers to the buyer. If Disney exercises ROFR, you still receive the full sale price—the only difference is that Disney becomes the buyer. The ROFR review period typically takes 30 to 45 days. Working with an experienced broker can help set a competitive yet ROI-safe price for your listing.

Timeline and Payout

From listing to closing, the DVC resale process generally takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on ROFR review and title transfer timing. Once the sale is finalized and Disney processes the ownership transfer, sellers receive payment via check or direct deposit. Your net proceeds will be the sale price minus the estoppel fee and commission, plus any dues reimbursement credit.

Why Work with a Licensed Broker

Selling your DVC points through a licensed broker is the most secure way to ensure a legal and efficient transaction. A reliable broker handles all paperwork, buyer negotiations, and coordination with the title company. With DVC Sales, you get verified listings, comprehensive buyer screening, and ongoing support throughout the entire closing process. Our team has years of experience in DVC resales and provides a transparent, stress-free selling experience.

Ready to sell? Create an account and list your membership today. There are no upfront costs and you only pay when your contract successfully sells.